Holden chalks up seven million

Holden has celebrated the production of the seven millionth car to be produced in Australia since the company commenced operating as a full manufacturer in 1948.

A celebration marking the milestone was held at Holden's plant located at Elizabeth in South Australia. Holden's Executive Director of Manufacturing, Rod Keane (right in picture), welcomed guests including the Premier of South Australia, Mike Rann (at left) and the Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Kim Carr (centre).

Taking advantage of the PR opportunities presented by the moment, the company arranged for a dual-fuel LPG Commodore to pass down the line at the appropriate juncture, providing a bridge between the six-cylinder/rear-wheel drive past and the alternative fuels future. 

The company's production over the years has been based around the same concept of largish rear-wheel drive vehicles powered by six-cylinder and V8 engines -- with the exception of such cars as the locally built Vectra a decade ago and four-cylinder Geminis and Toranas from the 70s.

Keane says that Holden, whilst celebrating past and present achievements, is looking forward to the future.

"The next chapter in our history will see us delivering a wide range of energy solutions to meet varying consumer needs and budgets. I believe manufacturing the next million vehicles will be one of the most dynamic periods of GM Holden’s rich history."

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